Woolacombe, a beautiful village nestled in the heart of North Devon, is a popular holiday destination for visitors seeking sun, sand, and beautiful countryside.
Boasting some of the best beaches in the South West, Woolacombe is the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday with the family, including the dog!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various Woolacombe Bay holiday parks, detailing the types of accommodation and amenities available, ensuring you find the perfect base for your North Devon adventure.
Also, we include alternative options to these three parks, all similar distances away from Woolacombe and the local attractions (it is a comprehensive guide after all!)
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Woolacombe Bay, Twitchen House, and Easewell Farm make up the three “Woolacombe Bay” Holiday Parks |
| The three parks are dog-friendly and offer access to each other’s facilities |
| Woolacombe Beach is a popular, award-winning beach with lifeguards during the summer months |
| Nearby campsites include Damage Barton, Woolacombe Sands, Golden Coast Leisure Park, and North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park |
| Woolacombe Village offers shops, cafes, restaurants, and family-friendly activities |
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks is a sprawling holiday village located just a stone’s throw away from the award-winning Woolacombe Beach. It is made up of three parks, Woolacombe Bay, Twitchen House and Easewell Farm.
The holiday parks offer a wide range of activities for the whole family, including an indoor heated pool, outdoor pool, steam room, and even a Segway Safari through the surrounding countryside depending upon the park.
Along with a range of options to stay at any of the sites, including grass camping fields, well-equipped caravans and motorhome pitches with electricity, lodges, lodges with hot tubs and of course static caravans too.
It should be noted that if you stay in one of the three parks, Woolacombe Bay, Twitchen House and Easewell Farm, you can use the facilities in the other parks as you desire and that all the sites are dog friendly.
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park History
The park was originally established in the 1940s by a local family who transformed their farm into a caravan site. Over time, the site expanded and additional facilities were added, including a range of accommodation options, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
In the 1990s, the park was purchased by the Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks group (Woolacombe bay holiday village), which has continued to invest in and develop the site.
Today, Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, caravans, and apartments, as well as a variety of on-site activities, activities for all ages and amenities, such as swimming pools, a spa, sports facilities, and a range of restaurants and bars ideal for family holidays and has all the holiday park facilities you would expect.
Woolacombe Bay
Key Features
- New pool and slides for 2023
- Static caravans and lodges only
- Amazing views over Woolacombe bay
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park is located on a hill overlooking the famous Woolacombe Bay, just off station road providing stunning sea views from almost every spot in the park.
It’s the closest holiday park to the beach, making it the perfect destination for those looking to wake up with the sand and surf just a short walk away (approx 15 minutes on foot).
- The indoor heated pool has an exciting toddler fun pool.
- There is an outdoor pool with a sun terrace and water flume.
- The adventure trail is perfect for Segway safaris and zorbing, while spa treatments offer pure relaxation.
- The hillside location offers the best sea views.
- This park is the closest to the beach, allowing for easy access to the sandy shores.
The Woolacombe Bay Park does not offer camping or touring pitches, instead offers a variety of static caravans, lodges, apartments and a “surf village” mini complex of luxury lodges, ideal for those of you that like central heating!
For 2023, the park is adding a new sea view outdoor fun pool with a multi-lane water slide, water flumes, and a SprayZone water play area, as well as a new lake for water sports activities. There will also be new sports and kids’ activities, entertainment, and fresh menus.
Twitchen House Holiday Park
Key Features
- Two heated pools, one outside, one inside
- Pub/club/bar area
- Static caravans and traditional camping catered for
Located in a beautiful woodland close to Woolacombe Sands, Twitchen House Holiday Park is another excellent choice for a North Devon holiday.
This Woolacombe Bay holiday park combines easy access to the beach with plenty of activities and facilities, ensuring a memorable stay.
- The indoor heated pool features a waterslide and a toddler pool.
- Enjoy a spacious outdoor heated pool with a flume and SplashPad.
- Participate in wildlife and bushcraft nature activities.
- The outdoor play area is divided into zones for both toddlers and older children.
- Relax at the surf-themed café bar, complete with a lovely terrace and casual atmosphere.
- Take a woodland walk straight from the park to the beach.
Twitchen House is named after the original Edwardian farmhouse that stood on the site before it was converted into a holiday park. The farmhouse was called “Twitchen House,” and when the site was transformed into a holiday park in the 1950s, the name was retained.
The name “Twitchen” is believed to have come from the local dialect and means “the fork in the river,” which may refer to the nearby streams or rivers that branch out into different directions.
Today the Twitchen House Holiday Park offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to all needs, from luxury lodges to touring pitches and camping spaces.
Facilities Include:
- Live entertainment
- An Arcade
- Mini Golf
- Bar & Restaurant
- On-site Shop
- Laundry Facilities,
- Wi-Fi,
- Kids play park
The majority of the caravans and lodges are closer to the main clubhouse and the large building called “Twitchen House”. As you drive in, there is a small carpark and reception is through the double doors.
Touring, motorhome and camping pitches are located to the East of the site at the top of the hill.
There are a variety of hard-standing, electric grass pitches around the outside of the main camping/tent area and visitors are left to work out the best position for their tent/campervan/motorhome on the rest of the site.
Easewell Farm Holiday Park
Key Features:
- A more rustic camping experience
- Indoor swimming pool
- Traditional camping, motorhomes and static caravans
Easewell Farm is a tranquil holiday park set in the beautiful North Devon countryside, boasting stunning views of the coast and across the Bristol Channel.
As one of the Woolacombe Bay holiday parks, it offers a more relaxed setting, yet still provides guests with plenty of activities and access to nearby attractions.
Easewell Farm is just a short walk away from the Twitchen House and boasts:
- Indoor pool
- Experience the perfect combination of coastal and countryside charm.
- Enjoy spectacular coastal walks
- Take in amazing sea views from the 9-hole golf course.
- Stay in a rural setting just across the road from Twitchen House
- Bar & Restaurant,
- On-site Shop,
- Laundry Facilities,
- Wi-Fi
- Kids play park
Easewell Farm is more of a “back to basics” campsite (hence why they label it as “Rural”) which provides various camping pitches, pitches with electric & hard standings, ideal for caravans, and motorhomes. Plus an assortment of caravans to rent.
This site is ideal for those wanting a more traditional campsite experience, but the facilities to go with it. Allowing guests to enjoy the peace and quiet of the North Devon coast while being within easy reach of Woolacombe Bay’s popular beaches and activities for beach holidays.
Personal Experiences
I have personally stayed at Twitchen House Holiday Park numerous times over the past few years. The use of two pools, one indoors and one outdoors is amazing even if the weather is not great.
The staff have always been fantastic, they helped us reunite a dog we found wandering around one night on the way back from enjoying pizza in the restaurant area. The chap that guides you to the tent/touring pitches is such a nice guy and the facilities are always clean or being cleaned.
If you’re avid campers as we are, at Twitchen House you are on a hill. This is amazing for the views, Lundy island is in clear site. However a word of caution, we have seen tents fly away on the top of this hill. Ensure that you peg your tents down thoroughly as 6 pegs to hold down an 8-man tent in +30mph winds won’t hold!
Damage Barton Campsite
Damage Barton is a family-run caravan and camping site located near Woolacombe in North Devon.
The site offers stunning sea views of the coastline and Bristol Channel and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The site features a range of pitches for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, as well as luxurious glamping pods.
On-site amenities include a shop, laundry facilities, a children’s play area, and a dog exercise area. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including walking, cycling, and water sports.
Featured Places to Stay Near Bideford
Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park
Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park is a family-friendly holiday park located in Woolacombe.
The park offers a range of accommodation options, including caravans, lodges, and apartments, all of which are equipped with modern amenities.
The site features a range of facilities, including an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool with a flume, a sauna, a gym, and a restaurant. There is also a children’s play area and a variety of entertainment options for all ages.
The park is just a short walk away from the beautiful Woolacombe Beach, which is regularly voted one of the best beaches in the UK.
Related Post:
Woolacombe Surf Cameras
Golden Coast Leisure Park
Golden Coast Leisure Park is a holiday park located in North Devon, just five minutes away from Woolacombe Beach. It offers a range of accommodation types to suit different preferences and budgets.
The park boasts a coastline location and a host of facilities including four swimming pools with flumes, a wave surfing simulator, and entertainment clubs. For those who prefer more relaxed activities, the Waves Ceramic Studio offers pottery making.
Golden Coast Leisure Park is a great base for exploring the scenic Devon coast, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. The park also has peaceful lakes for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.
In terms of entertainment, the park offers a variety of options such as the Matricks Illusion show, Party in the Playden, and Gary Gobstopper’s comedy show. There are also Easter-themed activities available during the spring.
Update: Dogs are only allowed in The Old Mill as Harry’s Bar and the main complex are no longer pet-friendly.
North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park
North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park is a family-run site located in Mortehoe, North Devon.
The site offers a range of pitches for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, as well as luxury glamping pods. On-site facilities include a shop, laundry facilities, a children’s play area, and a dog exercise area.
The site is located just a short walk away from the picturesque village of Mortehoe and is close to a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and surfing. The site is also just a short distance from the beautiful beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands.
Facilities at North Morte Campsite
- Shower Blocks With Free Hot Showers
- Toilets
- Chemical disposal point
- Grey Waste Disposal point
- Dishwashing Area
- Onsite Shop
- Launderette & Ironing
- Gas exchange
- Reception
- Local Information Area
- Payphone
- Children’s play area
- Recycling Pavilions
- Wi-Fi Available
- Outside Dog & Wetsuit Washing Area
Why stay in Woolacombe?
A daft one, but why even consider Woolacombe as a destination to stay at or enjoy for the day?
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach is a two-mile stretch of golden sand that is regularly voted one of the best beaches in the UK.
The beach is perfect for families and offers a range of water sports activities, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also plenty of restaurants, and facilities cafes nearby, making it easy to spend a full day at the beach.
It should be noted that in the summer months, there are lifeguards on duty at Woolacombe. There is lots of parking from along the top road, to a carpark almost sat on the beach, another large carpark behind the beach and another up on the hill road too.
Woolacombe Beach is a dog-friendly beach (which is why we love it so much), but do see the signs locally as in the summer months dogs are only allowed to the south end of the beach where the stream separates the sand.
Woolacombe Village
Woolacombe Village is a small seaside town that offers a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The village is situated a very short walk away from the beach and is home to a variety of family-friendly activities, including mini-golf and a variety of shops.
Woolacombe Village is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside, which offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, running and even paragliding!
Discover the North Devon Coast and Outdoor Activities
Discover the North Devon Coast and Outdoor Activities
The North Devon coast offers visitors a chance to explore picturesque coastal walks, serene nature trails, and engaging outdoor activities.
The entire Woolacombe Bay provide the perfect base for experiencing the region’s captivating beauty and diverse offerings.
From leisurely strolls along the coastline to thrilling adventures like surfing, body boarding and paddleboarding, the North Devon coast has something for everyone.
So Finally…
We learned that there are three campsites that make up the “Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks”, Woolacombe Bay, Twitchen House and Easewell Farm. But there are alternative camping, caravaning and motorhome parks very close by too.
Woolacombe is such a beautiful, honest little village that enjoys one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious lodge, adventurous camping experience, or cosy caravan stay, Woolacombe Bay holiday parks offer the perfect accommodation options for an unforgettable Devon holiday.
With plenty of activities, beautiful beaches, picturesque countryside, and top-notch facilities, a visit to Woolacombe Bay is sure to create lasting memories.
Pick any of these sites and enjoy Woolacombe at its best.
Enjoy
PS. Stop in the Beachcomber Café, their pancakes are amazing and it’s situated right on the beach too!
PPS. This site is supposed to be about Bideford, maybe look that up too and it’s only a 35-minute drive or so South. Lots of shops and things to do down there.
PPS. Nearly forgot. If you are in Woolacombe, the best pizza EVER can be found at “The Depot Eatery”.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered all the questions we could think of when it comes to Woolacombe below for you.
Q: What types of accommodation options are available at each of the Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks?
A: Woolacombe Bay offers static caravans, lodges, apartments, and a surf village. Twitchen House has lodges, touring pitches, and camping spaces. Easewell Farm provides camping pitches, pitches with electric & hard standings, caravans, and motorhomes.
Q: How close are the parks to Woolacombe Beach and what are the walking distances?
A: Woolacombe Bay Park is the closest to the beach, about a 15-minute walk. Twitchen House and Easewell Farm are a short walk away, but exact distances are not provided.
Q: Are there any restrictions for dogs at the campsites and on the beach?
A: All parks are dog-friendly. Woolacombe Beach is also dog-friendly, but during summer months, dogs are only allowed on the south end of the beach.
Q: What on-site facilities and activities can guests expect at each park?
A: Woolacombe Bay has indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, an adventure trail, and more. Twitchen House features indoor and outdoor pools, wildlife and bushcraft activities, and a woodland walk. Easewell Farm offers an indoor pool, coastal walks, and a golf course.
Q: How do the alternative nearby campsites compare in terms of facilities and proximity to Woolacombe Beach?
A: Alternative campsites like Damage Barton, Woolacombe Sands, Golden Coast Leisure Park, and North Morte Farm offer a range of accommodations, facilities, and activities, and are located within a short distance from Woolacombe Beach.
Q: What is Woolacombe Beach famous for?
A: Woolacombe Beach is famous for its award-winning three-mile-long stretch of golden sand, cleanliness, water quality, and facilities. It attracts surfers and families for its great waves and safe swimming conditions.
Q: Who owns Woolacombe Beach?
A: Woolacombe Beach is owned by Parkin Estates, a family company since 1948.
Q: Where is the nicest beach in Devon?
A: Woolacombe Beach, North Devon, is considered one of the nicest beaches in Devon.
Q: Why is Woolacombe called Woolacombe?
A: Woolacombe was first recorded in the Domesday book as Wolnecoma, meaning ‘Wolves Valley’. The valley was thickly wooded and presumably home to wolves.
Q: Does Woolacombe Beach have sewage?
A: The urban area of Woolacombe behind the beach is served by a combined surface and sewer system.
Q: Is Woolacombe Beach a blue-flag beach?
A: Yes, Woolacombe Beach is a Blue Flag beach, which is considered the highest award for UK beaches.
Q: What sea is at Woolacombe?
A: Woolacombe is located on the coast of North Devon, facing the Atlantic Ocean near the western limit of the Bristol Channel.
Q: Is Woolacombe Beach Natural?
A: Woolacombe Beach is a natural beach, with its dunes formed from sediment eroded during the last glaciation.
Q: Are there jellyfish in Woolacombe?
A: Jellyfish can occasionally be found in Woolacombe, as they are present in many coastal areas. However, sightings and encounters are not guaranteed.
Q: How old is Woolacombe?
A: Woolacombe’s history dates back to the Domesday Book, making it over 900 years old.
Q: When was Woolacombe built?
A: Woolacombe as a coastal resort town began to develop during the Edwardian and Victorian eras, with the construction of large villa-style houses and grand hotels.
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About the Author
Welcome to Bideford.com! I’m Matt, a seasoned explorer and avid fan of Bideford and the broader North Devon area. With over a decade of consistent family visits, virtually every weekend, I’ve immersed myself in the rich history and vibrant culture Bideford & North Devon.
On this site, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge amassed from my adventures here. From in-depth local guides to engaging blog posts about Bideford. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on things to do or guidance on where to stay we have you covered. Join me as we delve into the heart of Bideford, North Devon – a town that’s more than just a destination, but an experience waiting to be discovered.
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